21 Day Awareness Challenge

I once heard someone say that having awareness is both a blessing and a curse. I completely understand that because with awareness, you are able to learn more about yourself, who you are, what you like and don't like, what drives you and what brings you down, and also what you need. With this kind of information, you can plan your life out, make goals, cut out what doesn't serve you, and go after what you desire. But also, with awareness, you can learn what doesn't work well with you even if it is something you love. You carry more responsibility and maybe even an over-active conscience. If you're like me, I try to stop thinking so much!

But the truth of the matter is this: When you learn to become more aware of yourself, the more you learn to be in more control of your thoughts, your actions, your emotions, even your health!

For just a short 21 days I want you to put aside some "ME TIME", every single day. A time you can be completely alone for at least 10 minutes. My goal is 30 minutes.

Below will be a basic guide to learning to meditate. This should take 10 minutes so please take your time with it. (I do hope to have an audio for it soon). Practice this method so when we begin the 21 Day Awareness Challenge, you will have an idea of what to do already.

Make you sure have a journal and pen near by.

Pick a mantra, a verse, a quote, a saying... anything that you like, just make sure its something that you really love hearing and saying, that motivates you, and that means something to you. You can make one up as well if you want!

Write that saying down in your journal, and perhaps on your phone or on a piece of paper that you can keep in your wallet or purse, so you can see it and read it often.

Journal each day before you meditate about how you are feeling at that moment. List any strong feelings or emotions you are experiencing at the moment.

Then in a seated position with your back straight, take 3 deep breaths in through your nose, and out through your mouth. On your 4th exhale, close your eyes and breathe normally. Make sure to have a faint smile on your face. Notice how your breath is working. Notice the rise and fall of your belly as you take each breath. If you are having a hard time focusing on your breath, count them like this: Inhale "1", exhale "2", inhale "3", exhale "4", all the way up to 10, then start at 1 again.

Now very slowly, taking your time, do a body scan. Notice any sensations in you head. Your shoulders. Your arms, Your chest and abdomen. You back. Notice any sensations in your hips. Your thighs. You calves. Your feet.

If you feel any pain of discomforts, breath awareness into those areas, and let them go. Relax your body deeper. Continue to breathe. Count your breaths.

Now, bring awareness back into your body by wiggling your fingers and your toes. Turn your head slowly left to right. Gently stretch your arms overhead, and open your eyes.

Take a moment to thank yourself for allowing yourself to practice awareness. Make sure do speak goodness into your hearts throughout the day. Speak out loud your mantra.

Journal how you feel after this short meditation.

Practice this meditation method for the next couple of weeks, and then come back on August 19th to begin this 21 Day Journey to Awareness with me!